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𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬:

Old TwistedWonderland blog: @cantandoaviar-dorm

Old Blog: @twsthoodstar

Also! Just in case it looks blurry, here’s a somewhat clearer version of my icon! Please do not steal or repost, thank you!

This little goofball is either going to be the sweetest little gentleman or the biggest thorn in your side, there is no in between and he totally freaking knows it. Once you two become besties, Ruggie will play the underclassman card as much as he can!

First in line for lunch, care to split it with him? Leona’s been sooooo demanding lately, he hasn’t had time to eat! Heading out for groceries, could you give him a ride to work? It’s on the way there. Running errands for Crewl and Trein? What exactly are you doing? Are those papers important? Could he take a peek?

You had to swat his hand once when he tried stealing the test copies you were printing. 😑 But aside from that, you never tell him no. Which is why, as much of a gremlin as this kid is, you can bet Ruggie will be there for you 100% when you need him. After all, you and your card soldier buddies saved his life. It’s the least he could do.

Sharing food together is the easiest way to tell that Ruggie cares about you; he may be stingy, but it means he wants to take care of you. If he’s on his way to Ramshackle, he’s bringing the snacks. And you get first dibs. You and Grim are helping out at the Spelldrive club? Awesome! Have an extra water bottle, it’s hot outside. Even if you’re running late due to leaky roofs, that’s fine. He’s already on his way with a bucket and a bag of chips.

Ruggie (similar to Ace) is also the type of guy who will tease you on one of your online posts, only to roast some haters in the comment section. You’re the only one he’s allowed to mess with. Even if someone like Floyd or Kalim are hanging all over you, he’ll get a little pouty. Maybe some puppy dog eyes will turn you his way? Right? 🥺 You are his big sis after all.

Riddle was a very capable boy. He always managed to accomplish his goals the old fashioned way, through hard work and dedication! So it never occurred to you he would need ANY help in his studies at all.

When you asked him, Riddle claimed Heartslabyul had been rather crowded lately. The end of the semester was coming and the students were frantic about getting their grades in on time. Large study sessions had brought in many students from other dorms, and caused too much noise for the poor housewarden. To the point he had to flee from his own room in favor of somewhere quieter. At least that’s how he put it. But you weren’t complaining! After all, Riddle was a well behaved guy, not to mention well-mannered.

“Awwww you’re such a good kid!” You chuckled at him. “You don’t need to ask me to come study. Just make yourself at home!”

Ooooooh no, you did it again. That quick cheerfulness right there erased any hesitation Riddle previously had.

Sure you weren’t that much older than he was, and he wasn’t the only student you had doted on in the past. But for some odd reason, hearing you speak in such a genuine tone in his presence made Riddle feel so—so happy! So relaxed! It almost embarrassed him in a way?

But what started as a solo study session slowly grew into multiple visits from your redheaded buddy. Of course, Riddle would ask for permission before visiting (he still has standards), but he would start to bring something extra with him every time. Certain things he knew you enjoyed!

That same brand of tea from the Unbirthday parties, a small box of assorted cookies, etc! Being the good hostess you are, you started cooking for Riddle more whenever he came over to study. Before it’d be the basic tomato soup or even some hot sandwiches, but thanks to Trey, you’ve upped your game quite a bit! And you always make sure Riddle takes the leftovers. Much to Grim’s displeasure . . .

But everything seemed much more fun with Riddle around, even if it was just for study purposes. However, once exams finally came, Riddle’s behavior started to shift. Just a little.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Riddle had never been anxious over a test before, not usually afterwards. Yet he was in a hurry to get out the door; practically flying down the hallway as his shoes smacked the floor tiles.

He had just come from his final Alchemy exam, which was marked with a bright green 100 at the top right corner. To be honest, he thought the test would be much harder. But bragging rights aside, his stride didn’t cease until he saw you in the courtyard. You were with Grim, scanning over one of his test sheets as he boldly pranced around the staircase. He must have passed. Wow.

“Miss Y/N! There you are!”

You glanced up from the paper, and waved Riddle down as he descended from the second floor.

“Riddle! Hey!” You quickly have Grim back his paper before you rushed to hug the housewarden.

Hugging had become a normal greeting between you two. Something Riddle had to get used to; but today he didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around your shoulders.

“Soooo how’d Alchemy class go?” You giggled. “You passed right!”

Without a word, Riddle flashed his paper as if it were a shiny university diploma! Grim hopped onto the stone railing to take a closer look, eyeing the boy’s paper with a smirk.

“Nyehehe! Not bad at all Riddle! Looks like there’s two geniuses in this crowd huh!” Grim’s face swelled in pride as the two of you sighed.

As much as you loved your kitty, he acted like he’s scored an 80% before any of this.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a genius. But Alchemy is a rather complicated subject.” Riddle tucked the test results away, “It takes careful planning to determine how to receive the best outcome. If you’re not careful, the results could backfire.”

“Yea, I guess so-but I knew you’d do a good job bud!” Resting a hand on his shoulder, you flashed that glowing smile of yours.

In an instant—that soft emotion came flooding back into Riddle’s body. Once again, he was compelled to stir under the sensation. Under the warmth of your words like a snake in the sunlight.

“Wait. . .you knew?” He parroted.

“Well duh! Of course I knew! You’re super smart Riddle!” You cheered. “Besides, you’re a good kid! I bet that test was easy!”

Yes. It was easy. A full week of studying could have been enough to accomplish his goal, not a full month in advance. Riddle didn’t need to spend a month at Ramshackle, sipping lemon tea at sundown. He didn’t need to spend his nights walking back to Heartslabyul, with hot containers steaming up his hands.

But he chose to, he spent those months with you. Because you were here, cheering for him! You believed in him from the get go! Even if by some miracle, Riddle did fail, he couldn’t bring himself to picture your disappointment.

You had none. There were no expectations, no consequences, no fallback plans, and no rules. It was simply you—believing he could get the job done.

Riddle’s lips curved up, softly. He leaned his head to the right, hoping his hair would conceal the sting in his eyes, but he didn’t turn away from you.

“Yes. You’re right. I should have known better than to guess otherwise.”

{ Extra Bonus Content! } 🥳

What if Riddle was involved in Book Four?

Okay! These are more my own individual headcanons for how Book 4 would go if Riddle (my baby red boy) was involved somehow! Since Riddle is obviously not eager to head back home, I don’t think it would take tooooo much convincing have MC keep him at school. The only concern (which let’s be real here) would be that Riddle is required to return home since MC isn’t his guardian.

BUT if Adult!Yuu or Crowley were convinced into letting him stay for a week, Riddle would be overjoyed! He’d do whatever he could to help out. Such as feeding the fire fairies! Since obviously Grim was too busy to help. 🙄 Considering Crowley can be a bit stingy, Riddle has tried taking it upon himself to gather food for the 3 of you many times.

You will bicker with him about it like a real sibling, but he’s just a baby! You don’t care how well off his family is, no way are you letting this 17-year-old kid pay for your meals. Plus, if you have an extra job, you can surely handle the grocery shopping yourself. Since MC is an adult here, they’re likely a teacher of some kind or still the janitor.

But leading up to Scarabia’s Arc, Riddle would be much more cautious about intruding on another dorm. Even if he was invited. Plus, there’s the fact that Jamil hypnotizes the MC more than once! Jamil would probably take extra caution since not only is there someone else with the MC, but it’s another housewarden.

Buuuuuut it’d be fun to see Riddle let loose for once! Plus Kalim and Riddle are already kind-of-friends so I’m sure it wouldn’t take tooooo much convincing to get Riddle to stay. However, Riddle is still a cautious guy, even in certain social situations. He’d probably pick up on MC’s odd behavior much sooner than Grim. Which leads him to go into protective-baby-bro-mode whenever Jamil is around or left alone with the trio. Or even with Kalim!

Epel’s little Eevee was originally a birthday present he received when he was around 10 years old, as a gift from his dear Meemaw. He was around the appropriate to start training Pokémon, so Eevee has been his beloved best friend for YEARS.

Of course Epel takes great care of her, so the two have spent a lot of time working together! Moving apple crates, making grocery runs, shoveling snow, or driving pests out of the orchards. Hard work makes for good experience! Which is why Epel was expecting Eevee to evolve into something more. . . I suppose ‘sturdy’ is the right word for it.

Eevee evolved just before Epel’s arrival at NRC, into a Sylveon! A frilly pink bundle of joy who just couldn't keep its feelers off of him! Don't get me wrong--Epel was really proud! All that training finally paid off! But still he was so confused; you'd think his Eevee would evolve into a bold Umbreon or an ultra fast Glaceon, perhaps even a Leafeon?

It definitely took some getting used to but after a week or so, and a good smack fromby his grandma, Epel finally realized the importance of Sylveon’s evolution! This poor sweet thing just loved him so much it couldn’t contain it all in its little form as an Eevee. Epel may not be entirely knowledgeable about fairy types, but he quickly but his Sylveon’s gifts to good use!

Literally anyone that makes fun of fairy types for being too meek or even girly, will earn a VERY harsh lecture from our farm boy. He may not always hold typical “girly” things in high regard, but nobody messes with his best friend. Absolutely no one!

Epel’s other team members include an Alolan Sandshrew, Dubwool, Shiny Hydrapple, and an Applin.

【 Riddle & Roserade 】

˗ˏˋ ꒰ 🍰 🫖 🦔 🍨 ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Similar to Epel, Riddle has known his partner Pokémon since his childhood. Additionally, it was the first real friend he ever met after Trey and Chenya. Riddle’s afternoon breaks had been moved into his backyard after the incident, with his mother watching closely.

It was during a precious moment when Riddle met his new friend, after his mother had gone to fetch some tea. Riddle heard a small cry in the rose bushes of his yard, so he made a break for the back corner of the garden. Sitting there among the bramble was the smallest Budew he had ever seen.

The poor thing was quite frightened but Riddle’s touch soothed it quickly. It took a bit of convincing for his mom to allow him to keep it; the only reason she agreed was because Riddle was the appropriate age to become a trainer. At least in two weeks he would be, but there's no harm in starting early.

Riddle prioritizes his Pokémon’s needs above everything else, almost to the point of spoiling. Which he absolutely does when his mother’s not around. However, his efforts proved very successful when Budew evolved into a Roserade rather quickly! Riddle was ecstatic!! Not only did he succeed in strengthening his friend, but overall, he was very happy seeing her prance around in her brand new form.

In return for his kindness, Roserade has taken it upon herself to act as Riddle’s right hand! When she’s living at NRC, Roserade is Riddle’s eyes and ears around the gardens. After all, roses are her favorite—so supervising the freshman makes her quite happy, and it’s not often you’ll see her missing out. However, she can be a bit of a tattletale, but Riddle has been trying to break this bad habit.

Riddle’s other team members include a Vileplume, Vulpix, Cinderace, and a Shiny Tinkaton.